Canadian winters are tough, especially in Nova Scotia, where heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures are the norm. A well-built garage can handle what winter throws its way, so if you’re building a new garage or upgrading your current one, choosing materials and features designed for cold weather is key.
Here are some important considerations when creating a garage ready for winter.
Proper insulation is your first line of defence against the cold. A well-insulated garage keeps warm air in and cold air out, making it easier to maintain a comfortable temperature, whether you’re using the garage to store vehicles or as a workspace. With our humid weather in Nova Scotia, it’s worth considering a dehumidifier or air exchanger to prevent moisture issues in a tightly sealed space.
When building a new garage, energy-efficient doors and windows are key to preventing heat loss and maintaining a comfortable environment. Models designed to withstand extreme cold can help lower heating costs by keeping warm air in and cold air out.
For the garage door specifically, opting for an insulated model makes a big difference in retaining warmth. Insulated garage doors not only prevent cold air from seeping in but also add durability and soundproofing, making them better suited to Canadian winters. Together, these upgrades improve heating efficiency, protect the interior from drafts, and create a more comfortable, cost-effective space.
The benefits of insulating your garage go beyond comfort. Proper insulation helps reduce your energy bills, especially if your garage is attached to your home. By keeping the cold air out, you can reduce the strain on your heating system, saving both energy and money.
Once your garage is well-insulated and sealed, it's time to think about how you'll keep it warm. Depending on the size of your garage and how you plan to use it, there are several heating options to consider:
Radiant floor heating is an efficient way to keep your garage warm from the ground up. Unlike forced-air systems, it heats the space evenly without blowing air around, making it perfect for larger garages or workshops.
For smaller garages or areas that need extra warmth, baseboard heaters are a simple and affordable option. They're easy to install and maintain, providing consistent heat without taking up much space.
A heat pump offers both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, making it a versatile solution for year-round comfort. It's an energy-efficient option for garages that need consistent climate control. In a sealed garage, an air exchanger can prevent excess humidity from becoming an issue.
Garage floors take a beating in winter. In many Canadian garages, bare concrete is the standard flooring, but it comes with its own set of problems. Concrete is porous, meaning it easily absorbs moisture from snow and ice, which can lead to cracking and deterioration over time. Road salt also contributes to corrosion, making maintenance a constant challenge. To protect your garage from these issues, there are several flooring options that provide better durability and moisture resistance.
Epoxy flooring is a great choice for winter conditions. It's resistant to moisture, snow, and salt, and it provides a durable, non-slip surface that's easy to clean. By protecting the garage floor from water damage and corrosion, epoxy flooring extends the life of your garage and helps avoid costly repairs.
For homeowners looking for an affordable option, painting the garage floor with specialized concrete paint is a practical step up from bare concrete. While not as durable as epoxy, painted floors provide a layer of protection against moisture and salt, helping to prevent some of the damage that winter conditions can cause. Concrete floor paint is relatively easy to apply and can be reapplied as needed.
However, it's important to note that painted floors may not hold up as well under heavy use or in extremely cold temperatures. Over time, you may see peeling or wear in high-traffic areas, which would require touch-ups or repainting.
Another cost-effective option for protecting your garage floor is applying a concrete sealer. Sealers penetrate the surface of the concrete and form a protective barrier that repels moisture and minimizes damage from road salt. Unlike paint, which adds a coloured coating, sealers maintain the natural look of the concrete while offering added resistance to water infiltration.
Sealers are fairly simple to apply and provide moderate protection, but like painted floors, they may require reapplication over time, especially in areas exposed to heavy snow, ice, and vehicle traffic.
For a more flexible solution, interlocking garage floor tiles are a great option. Made from heavy-duty materials like rubber or PVC, these tiles are designed to withstand the toughest conditions. They provide a non-slip surface and are easy to install without needing adhesives. The interlocking system allows for quick drainage, preventing snowmelt from pooling and reducing the chance of water damage.
While more expensive than paint or sealers, tiles are highly durable and require little maintenance. They can also be easily replaced if a single tile becomes damaged, making them a long-term investment in protecting your garage floor.
Keeping moisture under control is key to preventing long-term damage. If snowmelt and ice seep into cracks in the garage floor, it can cause the concrete to expand and contract, leading to cracks and structural damage over time. Consider removing excess snow and ice before parking inside, or use a large squeegee to push melted snow towards your floor drain or outside the garage to keep things as dry as possible.
Snow buildup can cause serious problems if it's not managed properly. Whether it's piling up around the garage door or melting into your foundation, snow can quickly turn into a headache if left unchecked.
When snow melts, it can lead to flooding—especially if it's piled up against your garage door. Make sure snow is shovelled away from the garage and that water drains away from the foundation. Installing proper drainage can help prevent water from seeping inside.
Snow and ice buildup can also damage your garage's exterior. Ice dams near the roofline can cause water to seep into the walls, leading to mould and rot. Clearing snow from around the structure reduces the risk of long-term damage and helps avoid expensive repairs
Keeping the area around your garage clear of snow and ice is not only practical, but it also ensures easy access throughout the winter. A clear driveway reduces the risk of accidents and keeps your vehicles and property safe.
For garages with pitched roofs, installing snow guards can prevent large chunks of snow from sliding off and damaging the garage door, vehicles, or other nearby structures. These simple additions protect your garage and everything around it during the heaviest snowfalls.
A well-built, winter-ready garage isn't just about getting through one season—it's about ensuring long-term protection, energy efficiency, and comfort. If you're ready to build a garage that can stand up to Canadian winters year after year, Superior Garages has you covered.
Use our Build Your Garage tool to start designing the perfect garage for your needs. Whether you're looking for a standard build or a fully custom space, our team is ready to help you create a garage that's built to last.
